Jeff

Salazar

Salazar is batting .325/.426/.488 in 20 games since returning from a partially torn UCL in his elbow. If he keeps it up, the Rockies could try him in center field later this season. He has more potential than either Cory Sullivan or Choo Freeman, though that’s not saying a lot.

Fuld is expected to miss the next 4-5 months, which means he is at risk for missing the rest of the season. Jeff Salazar, a non-roster invitee, appears to be the likely choice to take his spot on the roster.

Salazar hasn’t appeared in a major league game since the 2009 season and batted just .228 with a .729 OPS last year in the minors. He survived the Rays’ first several cuts, but will likely spend a majority of the 2012 campaign in the Durham Bulls’ outfield.

It’s a statement Maddon made after the Rays sent Jesus Feliciano and Will Rhymes to minor league camp, though he added that the decision has not officially been made yet. He’s likely allowing room for a potential trade or signing, because Salazar seems to have made the team if the Rays don’t make any acquisitions. The 31-year-old hasn’t appeared in a big league game since 2009 and hit just .228 with a .729 OPS last year in the minors.

The deal comes with an invitation to spring training, but Salazar stands little chance of landing a spot on the Rays’ Opening Day roster. He hit just .228 with a .729 OPS last year in the minor leagues and hasn’t appeared in a big league game since 2009.

Salazar, 31, was hitting just .212 with five homers and a .614 OPS in 68 games this season with Triple-A Durham. He’ll attempt to latch on with a new organization.

Salazar isn’t ready now, but he might finish 2006 as the Rockies’ center fielder. He hit .263/.349/.436 in 59 games after a promotion to Colorado Springs.

Salazar probably would have been in line to start next season in the minors even if he hit .500 this fall, but his 6-for-47 start is discouraging. He has a chance to be a better player than any of the Rockies’ other center-field candidates.

Salazar hasn’t displayed much power this year, batting .285/.376/.412 in 56 games. He’s also been caught on eight of his 18 steal attempts. He still may be Colorado’s center fielder of the future, but it doesn’t appear that he’ll be ready to claim the position next spring.

Salazar is batting .286/.388/.429 in 21 games since moving up from Double-A. If he continues to play well, he might get a chance to spend September as a part-time center fielder for the Rockies.